You May Be Reacting to Trauma and Not Even Know It.
How do you recognize and cope?
WITH NIDHI TEWARI, EMDR THERAPIST
Did you know that trauma refers to anything that’s too much for the nervous system to handle? We often think of trauma as being tied to a major negative event; war, natural disasters, or domestic violence. While these are considered traumatic experiences, other more common experiences, such as adverse childhood events, bullying, divorce, job loss, sudden grief/loss, and systemic racism are also traumatic and the body reacts the same way. Nidhi Tewari, acclaimed Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and mental health therapist specializes in trauma and anxiety disorders. She has made it her mission to help people identify the trauma in their lives and learn ways to cope. She is excited to share her top five trauma tips in a time when people need them more than ever!
SELF AWARENESS
Take the ACEs questionnaire and start reflecting on your childhood experiences, as well as other adverse experiences throughout your life. If these past experiences are causing challenges in various facets of your life, you may be experiencing the ripple effects of trauma.
RECOGNIZE YOUR TRIGGERS
Often, criticism from a partner or a certain tone of voice can be a trigger to painful past events such as being harshly criticized or reprimanded during childhood.
CALL IT OUT TO CALM IT DOWN
Being able to acknowledge that “I’m feeling anxious” or “I’m feeling hurt” will aid in soothing, and helps reduce feelings of distress by activating the parasympathetic nervous system.
LEARN TO RIDE THE WAVE
It is important to remember that emotions are temporary and will pass with time. Our first tendency is to disconnect from uncomfortable emotions through social media doom scrolling, watching TV, or other distractions. We should instead be leaning in and approaching our emotions with curiosity.
CONNECT WITH A THERAPIST
It’s important to know that you’re not alone. A trauma informed licensed therapist can help support you as you begin your healing journey.
Nidhi Tewari, EMDR Therapist
Nidhi Tewari is an acclaimed Licensed Clinical Social Worker and mental health therapist with a decade of experience. She specializes in treating high-performing CEO’s, lawyers, and doctors coping with trauma and anxiety disorders. She is also an EMDRIA certified EMDR therapist, which stands for eye movement desensitization and reprocessing. Learn more at: nidhitewarilcsw.com.
